Dating a new person is always an interesting experience, but some people present some very unique challenges when you’re getting to know them. While it’s pretty normal to run into a large range of personality quirks if you know enough people, there’s a chance you could become involved with someone with a Multiple Personality Disorder. If this should happen, here are a few things you should about that will help you along the way:
The disorder itself
Multiple Personality Disorder, or Dissociative Identity Disorder, is a fairly rare psychiatric condition. It makes itself known by the presence of at least two distinct personalities, each with their own characteristics, emotions and reactions. It’s not known how many people actually suffer from this condition because the mental health community still disagrees on what the symptoms are. It is most often diagnosed in conjunction with other psychiatric conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia. It seems to appear in women about nine times more frequently than in does in men.
Common symptoms of Multiple Personality Disorder
Here are some of the symptoms of this disorder. A common one is lapses in memory, especially forgetting important dates that most people remember, like birthdays and holidays. A person with this problem may also experience blackouts and find themselves in places without remembering how she got there. She may also be frequently accused of lying when she really believes she didn’t, simply because she may have done things of which she has no recollection. She may also find items in her possession that she doesn’t remember acquiring. Someone living with more than one personality may also run into people who recognize them, but whom they don’t remember ever meeting before. They may also be called names that are completely different from the ones you know. They may also find things they’ve written that are in a handwriting they don’t recognize as their own. It can even go so far that they don’t recognize their own reflection in the mirror.
When will I notice it?
If you date someone with this condition, it will probably not be immediately obvious. You will probably notice some strange, inconsistent behavior early on, but it might take awhile to realize that you are dealing with multiple personalities, rather than just one confusing and inconsistent one.
Be supportive of the person
If the person you are dating seems to be doing some or all of these things, they may have Multiple Personality Disorder. If you think this is the case, there are a few things you can do. First of all, realize that such a severe disorder is usually the result of massive trauma or abuse, most likely suffered as a child. It will take time, a great deal of therapy, and probably medication to treat something so serious. The best thing you can do is be patient, supportive, and encourage this person to seek treatment.
Understand the person with the disorder
It’s also important to realize that a person with this disorder is not bad, or trying to make your life difficult. What may look like lies and suspicious behavior may simply be several personalities trying to function at the same time. With a little knowledge and a lot of patience, you can help your significant other get through this and become a happy and productive person.
Keep an eye out for a new personality
You need to be aware of which personality you are talking to when the time comes. You may favor one personality over the other, but you’ll have to embrace both. React to each personality accordingly in order to maintain the relationship. It may be hard, but dating such a person is not impossible. You just have to stay on your toes.
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